After wanting to pitch in the 2009 WBC but not being allowed to, the 32-year-old Veras became part of the Dominican Republic’s 2013 championship team on Tuesday, courtesy of a 3-0 shutout against Latin American rival Puerto Rico.

The Astros righthanded reliever only threw 1 2/3 innings in the WBC, allowing two earned runs while striking out three. But the D.R. proud Veras earned his medal like every other teammate and said Friday he’ll spend the rest of his life cherishing what feels like Olympic gold.

“It was something incredible. You can’t even explain the feeling to be there, representing your country with your heart and give everything you have,” Veras said. “You push for the same goal with the same group of guys with so (much) talent. … To be a champion, to be a part of a team that don’t even lose one game.”

Led by position players Robinson Cano and Jose Reyes and pitchers Edinson Volquez and ex-Astro Wandy Rodriguez, the Dominican Republic went 8-0 to become the only team other than Japan to win the WBC.

“The (gold medal) is going to be there all the way to the last day of my life,” Veras said. “It’s going to be in my heart and it’s going to be in my house, too.”

As for the magical plantain that aided crooked-hatted closer Fernando Rodney throughout the WBC? Veras said the initial plantain inspiration originated from a random fan.

“They said, ‘Carry this with you and it’s going to give you more power,’ ” Veras said.

Rodney become hooked on the magic as the tournament unfolded. After the well-traveled plantain became a worldwide story and the D.R. downed Puerto Rico for the WBC title, Veras and Astros teammate Fernando Martinez found multiple plantains strategically placed inside their Kissimmee lockers.

“I came here and some friends dropped some here. I feel like I got more power now,” Veras said.

Astros outfielder Fernando Martinez, left, walks onto the field Thursday in Kissimmee, Fla., with a plantain tucked into his back pocket. (Brian T. Smith, Houston Chronicle)